Study Finding Shows Cardioprotective Effect of Mediterranean Diet

(HealthDay News) — Greater adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet (DT) is tied to a decreased left ventricular (LV) mass, according to a study published in the Feb. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.

The researchers observed an inverse association between the DT score and LV mass. LV mass was 1.98 g lesser for each 1-point greater DT score, after controlling for demographics, behavioral risk factors, diabetes, and blood pressure variables. For those with scores of 6 to 9, average LV mass was 7.30 g less than those with scores of 0 to 5. When adjusting for body mass index this association was weakened, but remained statistically significant.

"In conclusion, greater adherence to a DT is associated with decreased LV mass, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and this association may be partly mediated by obesity," the authors write.